Dalbert Pringle Containing no story, or plot, whatsoever - (Just an onslaught of erratic and clumsily inter-weaved sight gags) - "The Bellboy" was written, produced, and directed by Jerry Lewis who, of course, also starred himself as Stanley, the title character.With its prevailing "Anything-For-A-Laugh" mentality - If "The Bellboy" was really supposed to be Jerry Lewis at his comical best - Then - I'd sure hate to see him at his unfunniest worst.Set at the luxurious Hotel Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, Florida - I could hardly believe that a hotel of this one's high calibre would ever hire such an idiot as Stanley to attend to their guests.Produced on a $900,000 budget - "The Bellboy" (filmed in b&w) made back 10x that amount upon its initial theatrical release back in 1960.

a_chinn Jerry Lewis was already a huge star when this film came out, but this film marked his first outing as a director and it's an assured first film. Like most Lewis directed comedies, the film is often series of vignette comic set pieces. Jerry's "Kid" character is a Miami hotel bellboy who has lots of various tasks that mostly go comically awry, whether it's answering phones, having to fill an enormous ballroom with chairs, or conducting an imaginary orchestra, it's all quite funny. There's no real story and this is even openly stated by the film's fiction producer at the film's outset. An interesting film history note, Jerry is credited with creating the video-assist technique on this film, where he put monitors on the set that allowed him to immediately see what was filmed live on set, which is now a standard practice on films. Overall, the film is nothing brilliant, but it's quite enjoyable and a solid directorial debut for Lewis. Milton Berle and Walter Winchell have cameo appearances and future longtime Lewis collaborator Bill Richardson appears in the film as Stan Laurel.

dougdoepke I love it when Jerry's in the crowded showgirl's dressing room, and just as things get revealing his hand suddenly covers the camera eye. This is arguably Lewis's funniest movie. His career post- Dean Martin needed a new direction and he got the big boost here. As I recall, critics were encouraging, while the movie scored at the box-office.There's no story, just a series of physical comedy skits that Jerry does without speaking. In a way, it's a tribute to comedy of the silent era, which may be why the ersatz Stan Laurel makes a clever appearance. Of course, some routines are funnier than others, while all are filmed at a plush Miami Beach hotel where Jerry's an inept-- to say the least-- bellboy. Except for Milton Berle, no celebrities appear in the large cast, which really puts the spotlight on Jerry. Apparently, he came up with the script and routines in a surprisingly short period (IMDB), probably seeing the comedy potential while working the hotel stage. All in all, it's pure Lewis at his goofy best (without the sometimes grating voice) and most consistently innovative. Anyway, I want to hire him to move chairs into our social club's cavernous hall. Thanks to Lewis, I'm still chuckling over that little gem.

Irishchatter Even though Jerry Lewis is meant to be a really quiet Bellboy, that doesn't mean he'll give up with his usual silly tricks and of course, making you laugh. Seriously I think he is a comedy genius, he can do anything from being quiet to yapping a lot!The most memorable scene I'll never forget is when he was suppose to get baggage from the airport but instead, he rode the plane to where the president should be left off. However he didn't appear so it was instead Lewis carrying the baggage and not the president. I'll honestly never forget that scene, it was such genius!It was funny to think Lewis played himself and the bellboy at the same time. Jerry Lewis is well able to play anything at the same time! He really made me laugh in this, check this out!